Rights panel issues notice to civic body

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the City Corporation asking why the civic body could not ensure the functioning of its plastic recycling unit at Pappanamcode.

The commission took a case against the Corporation on the basis of a petition filed by lawyer S.J. Jayaram regarding the burning of plastic waste by the wayside.

Petitioner's plea

According to the petition, the Corporation had directed its Health Department employees to burn non-biodegradable plastic waste accumulated on public roads in the city following the agitation in the Vilappilsala solid-waste-treatment plant.

The burning of plastic, especially organochlor-based plastic waste such as PVC, caused serious health risks for city residents, Mr. Jayaram observed in the petition, adding that the Corporation's action was in gross violation of human rights. Following this, the commission directed Corporation officials to explain their failure in ensuring the functioning of the Pappanamcode plastic recycling unit before March 30.